Bryce is a fantastic ride!!! The weather can
be anything from warm (80's) to freezing cold and rainy/sleety/snowy. The
bad weather is sporadic and doesn't last long but do bring rain gear, especially
boots (for you!). Also bring a warm jacket and warm pants because it can
get cold in the evening. Unless you are used to altitude, plan on drinking
far more water than you're used to. There is horse water but not people
water. I bring jugs of drinking water &just use my camper water
for flushing, dish washing (the tiny bit I do!) & bathing. The old
campground was kind of spread out so you might be camped quite a ways from the
water tanks. If you have one, bring a cart & jerry cans for hauling
water. I carry about 100 gals of water & that usually lasts into the
4th day with 2 horses. BTW, I get there a day early to give my horses a
day to rest. Of course, that adds a day that I have to supply myself
for. There are groceries, gas stations and a feed store in Kanab if you're
coming from that direction. Also in Cedar City. BTW, DO NOT come
through Zion. You may have to wait for a convoy since you'll be
"oversized." It's faster to come either from the south through
Hurricane or from the north through Cedar City. Oops, I'm assuming you are
coming from somewhere west of the ride. Hay can be a problem because weed
free is required. for the last several years, Crockett Dumas has brought
really nice weed free hay for purchase (reasonable) at the ridecamp. The
Duck knows how much of a problem it can be. Amenities in camp?!
Gorgeous scenery, a river running through your campsite if it rains a lot &
you choose a bad place, a great shower trailer with hot running water every
evening. I haven't checked but usually Annie cooks and her meals are great
and reasonably priced. It's great fun to hang out & eat with
everyone. There are always people who can help you out of most jams from
horse shoeing to mechanical problems. There is also a gas station out on
the highway and the real Bryce Canyon park isn't far away and is well worth a
visit (another reason for giving yourself an extra day). Annie also fixes
lunches & all lunches are away from camp. You'll need a crewbag which
will be hauled to lunch & back for you.I'd rate the ride as moderately
difficult and moderately rocky. I always pad for it just to be on the safe
side. It's a ride where you need to pay attention to the trail markings
and read your directions and map because there are some places you definitely do
not want to get lost. The scenery is fantastic - both close ups of the
hoodoos and pink cliffs and far off vistas.
Whoops! In my post about Reckless, I meant one "lone" guy - not "loan"
guy!
My other questions -
After a long summer of not being able to compete, I am planning on doing
Bryce this year and have signed up.
I would like to poll those that have done this ride and ask what I need
to bring. I will be gone longer than any ride I have done before. I have a
Lance camper and will obviously have to bring lots of stuff.
What special stuff do I need to bring to this ride? What is the weather
usually like? Is there water available to refill my camper and my horse water?
What amenities are at the ride camp? Is this a ride where you have to bring
certified weed free hay - which I can't get anywhere here. And, if so - is
this hay available there?
Anyway - lots of questions and would appreciate any suggestions from
those that have been there, done that ride.
